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Ramadan 2026: When is Ramadan? What is Ramadan?

When does Ramadan begin each year? What is Ramadan?

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

This year, the holy month of Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent Moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Learn about how—and why—Ramadan is observed.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a holy month that honors the time when Allah, via the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, to a caravan trader named Muhammad.

When Is Ramadan? 

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on Tuesday, February 17, and end at sundown on Wednesday, March 18. The final evening of Ramadan consists of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

The exact beginning and ending times of the month of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the first crescent Moon on the last night of the eighth month (Sha’ban). Specifically, Ramadan is said to begin at the first observance of the crescent Moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia (or on a date predetermined by astronomical calculation). Because of this, start and end dates are not set in stone and may vary by a day.

The dates listed below are based on expected visibility, so they may differ slightly from those seen elsewhere.

Ramadan Dates
YearFirst Evening of Ramadan (fasting begins at dawn next day)Final Evening of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr)
2026Tuesday, February 17Wednesday, March 18
2027Sunday, February 7Monday, March 8
2028Thursday, January 27Friday, February 25
2029Monday, January 15Tuesday, February 13

Traditions of Ramadan

Beginning at puberty, all Muslims (with certain exceptions, such as if one is ill, traveling, pregnant, elderly, etc.) take part in the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fast that is the hallmark of Ramadan. Muslims believe that fasting cleanses the body, and the practice reminds them of the suffering of the poor.

Eating and drinking (including water) is prohibited from dawn to sunset, and the day’s abstinence is offset by a predawn meal called sehri and a nightly meal known as iftar. For iftar, many traditionally break the fast by first eating dates, as the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Foods traditionally served at iftar vary, but food is often shared with a poor family during Ramadan.

At the end of the 29- or 30-day fast (depending on the length of the lunar cycle) is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), when there is much feasting and celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Ramadan dates change every year?

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Ramadan shifts earlier each year.

How is the start of Ramadan determined?

The beginning of Ramadan is based on the first visible crescent Moon after the month of Sha’ban. Some regions use local Moon sightings, while others follow astronomical calculations.

Who is required to fast during Ramadan?

Healthy adult Muslims are required to fast. Exceptions include those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, elderly, or experiencing medical conditions.

What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting is meant to promote self-discipline, spiritual reflection, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.

What are sehri and iftar?

  • Sehri (or suhoor) is the pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast begins.
  • Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset to break the fast, traditionally starting with dates.

Why is the Moon important in determining Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so months begin with the sighting of the new crescent Moon. Ramadan and Eid both depend on this sighting.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasting, and community celebrations.

To all those who observe Ramadan, we say Ramadan mubarak (“blessed Ramadan”)!

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening, so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Mariam Lukman</span> Tue, 07/09/2013 - 01:13
Ramadan period is the period of steadfastness and cleanliness. May Allah guide us throughout this period(amen).
<span>Khafayat</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 23:40
I welcome u all to d month of blessing we hav bin xpetin, may Allah giv us d strenght n protect us to finish wat we xtarted (Amin) RAMADAN KAREEM to my muslim bro n sis in whole world masallam
<span>Moouzzee Ahmadeedat</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 16:44
Baarkallahu fina wa fikum
<span>Barbara Hashim</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 16:23
I don't know why all the countries disagree on start date. I am a convert to Islam. My husband is Egyptian but we live in the USA. His mother in NYC follows Saudi start date which occurs on Wednesday this year but everything I see says America starts on Tuesday. Which is correct?!?! Help!
<span>Md. Aftab</span> Thu, 07/11/2013 - 02:41
A/w i am also newly converted to islam. i am from india. i have been observing fast during ramdaan for last 5+ years. i was also bit confused abt the timings. i have kept first fast today... Will you plz guide me the best to make me stable with islam. since due to conversion I have been by-cotted by all i am working in an mnc but want to move out from India. If possible help me plz. I'll be waiting for your response.
<span>Kanwar Rao</span> Tue, 07/09/2013 - 00:01
This conflict in start date is due to different time zones. USA is about 11 hours behind many Asian countries. So the start of any day (date) is entirely different around world. Ramadan start is dependent on sighting of new moon (Islamic months are calculated based on moon). In case of confusion and conflict, It is strongly recommended that what so ever scholars recommend, go with that. In USA many Islamic organizations work and they have their own methods to follow. None of them is wrong because they have logic behind their decisions. It is easy to follow Saudi Arabia as they are considered centre of Islamic world due to presence of holy places and being place of birth. Please note this is my personal opinion and does not intend to offend or hurt anybody.
<span>Doni Fajar</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 22:04
Barbara, probably you could check on this page : http://www.makkahcalendar.org/en/ramadan-2013.php hopefully it's help.
<span>Mohammed Sani.</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 18:10
In Islam or Ramadan as you know seen is blving. If u hav seen d month 2 day then no body has any right 2 say no 2 it.thank u.Mohammed sani from Jos Nigeria.
<span>Ikedvunnic</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 17:39
I couldn't word it any better, so I took it from Wikipedia: Traditionally, the first day of each month is the day (beginning at sunset) of the first sighting of the hilal (crescent moon) shortly after sunset. If the hilal is not observed immediately after the 29th day of a month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the day that begins at that sunset is the 30th. Because of the wildly different locations, the Middle East probably won't be able to see the crescent moon until a day later than the Western hemisphere.
<span>Ibrahim Akeem</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 14:31
Omitted prayer during ramadhan